Smith voices caution

Smith: beware Windies

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South Africa captain Graeme Smith says his side must not be complacent when they play the West Indies in Delhi on Thursday.

The Proteas are strong favourites ahead of their first match of the World Cup, playing against opponents who have picked up just one limited-overs win so far this year - against minnows Kenya.

Smith, however, knows that the power the West Indies possess in their batting order makes them potentially dangerous opponents.

"In terms of consistency they haven't been as good as other teams, especially during a long series stretched over a few ODIs," he told www.cricket.co.nz.

"But they have match winners and that's why playing them in a one-off game makes them very dangerous. They have guys that on the day can really punish you and take the game away from you. In cup competitions they are a very dangerous outfit to come up against."

Blow

Smith may be voicing caution but the fact remains that his side have won their last 11 games against the West Indies, having also recently beaten India in a Test series and warmed up on the sub-continent with a win against Australia.

Jacques Kallis takes his place in the South African side having recovered from a side strain, while the West Indies have lost Carlton Baugh and Adrian Barath to hamstring injuries.

Kirk Edwards and Devon Thomas have joined the squad as replacements, with the latter likely to play.

"Losing Carlton and Adrian is a bit of a blow to us," captain Darren Sammy said.

"We had put together a squad for the World Cup, and it is unfortunate that we have lost those two players.

"Adrian scored a maiden ODI hundred against Sri Lanka just a few weeks ago, and Carlton has been performing well in front and behind the stumps."